Prior to the game this weekend we posed a few questions to the team at 1865: The Nottingham Forest Podcast to gain their views on the upcoming season, Europe and more.
TEB: Let’s address the elephant in the room first, give us your view on the demotion of Palace from the Europa League which has benefited Nottingham Forest?
1865 Podcast: Put simply, it wasn’t anything to do with us. The majority of Reds fans have sympathy for Palace fans, but are mildly bemused at any vitriol that has come our way. We know that Evangelos Marinakis has a reputation and the demeanour of a bond villain, but it is not his fault the administrators at Palace failed to read their emails.
On a positive note and depending on what happens with the squad during the rest of the transfer window, there is a decent chance Palace could win the Conference League.
TEB: A decent campaign last term for Forest ended with a top ten finish. How would you rate it as a whole?
1865 Podcast: Overall, outstanding! There was some despondency after the last day of the season, when we saw the Champions League slip away. Despite this, it only took a few days for us to revel in the achievement of getting a European place in our third season back after 23 years away from the top flight.
TEB: How was pre-season?
1865 Podcast: Mildly underwhelming. We knew that Nuno Espírito Santo wanted to develop our playing style, but the squad looked desperately thin (partly due to waiting for the CAS decision). We also only scored one goal in seven matches. We all felt better five minutes into the season!
TEB: Forest have been busy this summer in the transfer window. What are your opinions on the new faces brought in so far?
1865 Podcast: On the whole, pretty happy. There is always the risk that you are overpaying for players like Omari Hutchinson, but we did gamble up to £42million for Morgan Gibbs-White and £35million for Elliot Anderson, who have both proven to be outstanding acquisitions. It will be interesting to see what James McAtee can do and whether the club ends up getting another full-back before the deadline.
TEB: Are there any wildcards in the squad that you feel will step up and make a big difference?
1865 Podcast: With a European season, everyone will get a chance to contribute. I do expect one or two departures which may create chances for others too. Not so much of a wildcard anymore after last season but Elliot Anderson has already exceeded all expectations and could be a genuine contender for Tommy Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
TEB: Is Nuno Espírito Santo still the man to lead Forest?
1865 Podcast: I always like to give the incumbent the benefit of the doubt, and it is much easier after we overachieved last season. With a hopeful evolution in playing style, and bolstering the squad, I hope that we can have another decent season.
TEB: What are your thoughts on Palace, and how do you feel we will fare in this campaign?
1865 Podcast: I like Palace; I think most Forest fans do. There were rumours that Forest were interested in Oliver Glasner before we appointed Nuno Espírito Santo, and he has clearly done a good job. Obviously, I think much will hinge on whether you can keep Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi.
TEB: Early ambitions for the season?
1865 Podcast: The top half of the table would be good, if it can be coupled with a decent stab at the Europa League.
TEB: Prior to the game at Selhurst, is there a weak link in the Forest line up that Palace should be looking to exploit?
1865 Podcast: Due to the wingbacks Palace have, pinning back our full backs would be a good tactic if we go with four at the back – especially Ola Aina. Much like Neco Williams, he has been outstanding for us, but he is not the biggest fan of having to defend for 90 minutes.
TEB: Expectations for the game this weekend including final score prediction?
1865 Podcast: It always seems to end in a draw! If Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi are still wearing red and blue, I am going for a 2-2 draw. If this is not the case, then Forest to win 2-1.
